opt

¹ American  

[opt] / ɒpt /

verb (used without object)

1. to make a choice; choose (usually followed byfor ).

   Synonyms:

   elect, pick, select

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verb phrase

1. opt in to decide to make use of or take part in something.

   To receive automatic updates, opt in under the email notification section.

2. opt out to decide to withdraw from or not take part in something.

   You can opt out of the pension plan, but you lose the employer and government contribution.

opt. ² American  

abbreviation

1. optative.

2. optical.

3. optician.

4. optics.

5. optional.

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opt British  

/ ɒpt /

verb

1. to show preference (for) or choose (to do something) See also opt in See also opt out

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Other Word Forms

• unopted adjective

Etymology

Origin of opt

First recorded in 1875–80; from French opter “to choose, divide,” from Latin optāre “to wish for, desire, pray for, choose, select”

Example Sentences

Still, if you opt for a bunch of low-cost or practical things to fill out an Easter basket, it doesn’t hurt to throw in a splurge item or two.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

The confidential filing process was so successful that it was expanded External link in 2017 to allow larger companies External link to opt in.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

For a day flight to Europe, he will opt for a premium economy seat—or what he likes to call “the previous business class.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

In February 2025, the DfE wrote to nurseries saying parents should be able to opt out of paying for these extras, "to ensure no family is priced out".

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Will she opt for something a little subtler?

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Related Words

• decide
• elect
• go for
• prefer